World democracy under threat

Professor Ursula van Beek, founder of the Transformational Research Unit at the Political Science Department of Stellenbosch University coauthored a book titledDemocracy under threat: A crisis of legitimacy. The book highlights the changing nature of democracy in the current political society.

It pays attention to key issues such as the role of globalisation on the noticeable interdependency world democracies have on the socioeconomic status if one another. Moreover, the vitalinfluence of populist groupson democratic outcomes, andwhether their influence is onethat is juxtaposed with the key embodiments of democracy, was also discussed in the book. When asked whether she thought South Africa’s democracy is under threat, Van Beek replied by stating that “prior to recent political events that lead to Cyril Ramaphosa being elected as President of the Republic of South Africa, South Africa’s democracy was indeed under threat.

Jacob Zuma’s presidential termhad been ineffective in carryingout the true embodiments of what South African citizens thought to be democracy”. Van Beek said thatdemocracy defined in the context ofSouth African citizens was an entity that “advocated for a betterment in standards of living. By failingto meet this definition, Zuma’sterm allowed for the underminingof confidence in democracy bycitizens.” Lynn Rippenaar-Moses, aMarketing Officer at SU, conductedan interview with van Beek. Part of the discussion was the extentto which social media affecteddemocratic procedures.

At SU the effect of social medianetworks on students that engage on these social media platforms is noticeable as it has formed part of the global and local culture within which students reside. The lobbying of votes for various campus committee elections usually spill over to social media networks, and as a result they influence the voting procedures.

PHOTO: Springer International Publishing

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GVB Protest Opinions

Paballo Thabethe

“I feel so strongly this. Because I personally come from a background where my mom was abused, all of this triggers a lot of emotions. I feel so strongly about this topic, and about asking Stellenbosch to stand up, because Stellenbosch was usually a university that barricaded such issues. I feel like the fact that we are out here, speaking about it, is a step in the right direction.”

Leo Figueira

“For me, it was very apparent that there were not a lot of men, and specifically white men, at this rally. That is the main thing that, as a white man, stood out for me. The lack of concern on the faces of the management was also very clear. The general anger, fear, frustration and anxiety was very apparent, and I think it came out in a way that it needed to come out. This will hopefully resonate with the rest of the community.”

Elode Duvenhage

“I feel like the management, at times, was not listening or engaging. There was no understanding. In a way I do understand that it is horrible to be screamed at by students and then having to respond, but just trying to show a little more sympathy would have been nicer. Another question is: how come they are only listening to us now? This started years ago, and these issues shouldn’t be dealt with now, on the last day of the third term. Also, and many people brought this up, this is a situation where students must choose between human rights or marks. It is not fair to place that on students who want both.”

Kaiser Aryee

“I was initially playing devil’s advocate, because I thought that this is an educational institution, and if there is no major obstruction, we should continue as normal. But as I got here and the officials addressed us, I felt that there was a sense of apathy – I don’t think they are on the ground enough with students, and that is what they get paid for. I can’t play devil’s advocate as much as I previously could. Our officials can definitely do more for us. We need more engagement with students. I am sick of emails – it is the most impersonal way to address people. I feel like, as a leader, you should be able to use your critical thinking skills, which you should have if you are in that position, to think up solutions – you can’t just go in circles when people are dissatisfied.”

Mieke Verster

“Administratively, the students are more prepared than the management. This is not right, because obviously it is our jobs at university to study, to learn and gain knowledge, and it is theirs to look after us. And I can understand the frustration of students – but of course, it is also frustrating when the crowd starts to talk in circles. I think we need to channel that energy into finding solutions – not because it is our job as students, but because, clearly it is not happening.”

Anon.

“I feel like the management should have supported us more – like, for example, by organising transport to protests. I also think that residence heads should have been here today. I feel like they are making it a you-problem. They could also have given better options for people missing assessments to go to the protests. I am from the biggest female residence, and I can tell you now that only a small fraction of us are present today.”